Core definition: what "Core" means and examples

"Core" is a suffix added to words to define a very specific niche or style. You might hear "Cottagecore" (an aesthetic based on rural life) or "Grandmacore." It is a way for young people to categorise their interests and visual styles into tidy boxes. It helps them find "their people" online who share the same very specific tastes. If they say something is "your core," they mean that thing perfectly represents your personality or your typical style.

Examples:

1. "The decor in this cafe is very forestcore."
2. "That video is so dadcore with the socks and sandals."
3. "She’s really leaning into the balletcore aesthetic lately."